Nose: The influence of the Calvados casks is immediately apparent, with notes of green apples, citrus fruits and sweet toffee showing themselves in the beginning. Vanilla essence, pears and some gentle spice come later.

Palate: A very lively dram at cask strength. Black pepper and rhubarb give way to demerara sugar, green grapes, a touch of cinnamon and a little bit of home-made fudge. This is an oily whisky for sure.

Nose: Malt, leather, and a little medicinal... Something sweet also, maybe a little melon. Floating above all of this is almost a slight cheese aroma, and then of course the peat smoke... Not the uppercut to the face you would expect. But it's definitely there.

Palate: This stuff just fills the mouth. Fills every crevice. Almost creamy, thick. A real joy to tease across your tongue. This time smoky, peaty, bonfire. Not as aggressive again as you may expect, but wow. Its definitely powerful. Aside from that though, it's deceptively delicate. There are some really light, almost floral notes. Maybe a little fruit too. Hard to describe. The peat is definitely the overwhelming flavor. Absolutely incredible.

Finish: Long and warming. Your tongue is coated with wave after wave of peat. Fantastic!

Brew List

Scotland Revisited!

Islay, here we come!

Tastings

Great Divide “Fresh Hop” Pale Ale 6.1%

Colorado

Nose: Citrus, fresh hops

Palate: Nice hops on the forefront, orange notes with some slight bitterness

Our palates were pleased with a plethora of bacon themed dishes from bacon meatballs to bacon soup shooters, bacon cheese balls to bacon crab cakes, and bacon stuffed mushrooms even. Not to mention the beautiful pairing of the Bowmore 25 with bacon truffles. Superb! I would also add that it was a wonderful way to celebrate Matt’s birthday.